This church in Iloilo City has bells that play Christmas songs during holiday season

A church in Iloilo City has a musical treat for mass goers during the holidays.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Friday, St. Clement's Church has a Carillon of 13 bells that plays Christmas songs every December. They were installed in 1954.

Fr. Ramon Fruto, the church's priest, said the bells, each of which sounds one note, are manually played and not electronically amplified.

"Each bell is struck by a hammer that is attached to levers. The one who plays it just pulls the lever and plays the tune," he said.

A former altar server, Winston Poblacion, plays the bells. 

"Nag-umpisa ako tumutug nung 2011, ang tumuro sa akin 'yung kapatid ko. Pag regular mass lang, Marian ung tinutugtog. Pag Christmas time, Christmas na 'yung tinutugtog," he said.

Winston works at a hospital, but he still finds time to play the bells to thank the Lord for blessings he has received.

"Na-strengthen 'yung faith ko, kasi nung nakaraan naaksidente ako. Binigyan niya ako ng isa pang pagkakataong mabuhay para makapaglingkod," he said.

The ringing of the church bells serves as a signal that it's now time to go to mass. In the old days, it also signals the arrival of an important person.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News